Swimming WA country pennants competition set to go ahead in Carnarvon

Swimming WA expects the Sunsmart Country Pennants competition in Carnarvon to go ahead despite COVID restrictions Statewide.

The Midwest Times understands the tournament — which Swimming WA describes as the highlight of the regional swimming calendar — will run in Carnarvon on March 5-6 as planned despite tougher restrictions from this week.

Premier Mark McGowan announced on Thursday the 2sqm rule will remain for fitness venues, while outdoor public events will be capped at 500 patrons and have the 2sqm rule with mask wearing.

Except for parents and guardians, spectators will not be allowed at indoor and outdoor community sports events.

Country pennants ran in Mt Barker in 2021 and Geraldton the year before that. Peel won the A-grade in 2021.

“(The new restrictions) will only hopefully be required for a modest amount of time as we get through the coming peak period,” Mr McGowan said.

The Premier said he expected WA’s COVID cases would peak within two to three weeks, and warned that hospital numbers would rise. He said the level-two measures would be in place, “hopefully”, for around four weeks, adding they would be reviewed before the end of March.